Gender stereotypes and stigmas have resulted in discrimination and unbalanced power dynamics resulting in an identity crisis of individuals who do not follow the majority. Therefore for a sound and equivalent recognition of all kinds of gender identities and expressions, the idea of genderless society was put forth.
Gender had always been defined and sought after into binary aspects, often defining roles and responsibilities in terms of the differentiation to their worth and position. This has resulted in discrimination, mishappenings and ultimately to the formation of an unjust society where people of minorities are judged on their numbers like bigender, agender, genderqueer, genderfluid, transgender, gender non-conforming, etc have been chocked to follow the normal binary identities of masculinity and feminity. But the concept of gender is now widened into a spectrum internationally. Acceptance towards one’s orientation and informed choices of one’s identity are often regarded as insignificant to the general societal structure because of people’s ignorance towards the spectrum of gender.
Gender, being a societal construct has often resulted in burdening individuals with roles, responsibilities, and restrictions that oppose their choices or are not in line with equality, hence leading to discrimination, women violence, patriarchal mindset and a regressive assortment to a developing country like Nepal.
Gender as a social construction has defined the roles specific to males and females and there are certain expectations that come with the biological sex assigned to the individuals. With the addition of another new term every other day into the dictionary of gender identity, the movements regarding recognition of all identities have made their ways into the modern societies, so the idea of a genderless society has the least affinity to the groups that have firmly acknowledged the binary characteristic of gender. But gender is a spectrum and this is an important outlook towards identity. ‘Genderless society’ itself is a term that is too heavy to digest because it seems impractical and unreal. The focus, however, should not be into building a genderless society, but a society that does not account for any inequality or injustice.
The participants discussed that gender is just an idea that is obscured by the roles, responsibilities, faith, culture, family background and expectations. It is important that people realize that their behavior, identity, personality, orientation or choices could be totally unique and uninherited biologically. It is crucial that none of us feel obliged to follow the apparently normal choices followed by the majority or adhere to the differences that exist. The concept of gender might have begun with civilization to celebrate similarities and bind individuals in unity, but gender differences and spectrum has obviously not experienced many positive outcomes. Therefore, genderless society could mean a more meaningful bunch of human beings who respect each other despite the similarities or differences that exist.
Gender reveal parties, toxic masculinity, burdening roles, deprived feminity, gender discrimination, gender identity crisis, mismatched expression are a few of the problems that a genderless society could solve, considering the fact that human beings stand on the core value of humanity and sensitivity. However, it will take a long time to form a society that stands solemnly on the grounds of humanity and respect. Until then, we can try to mitigate the general stereotypes that gender has carried with itself for a long period of time and reduce the complications.
We can vouch in the faith of humanity where it is not an actual necessity for us to understand but to respect one’s choice and expression.
Gender stigmas and stereotypes are being fought off in the urban areas of Nepal, but a lot of fight is yet to come considering the scenarios that the rural and distant parts of the country have seen. Particularly in Nepal, it is important that we understand that our reach of normalizing gender spectrum and choice of expression should not only be cloaked into the idea of urbanization. It is important that the mindset of individuals is reached and broadened before confirming to a society without gender. A sudden change to people’s mindset can’t be brought about but the individual actions towards a more accepting and responsible society definitely create the ripple effect of efforts.
Before assessing the needs of a genderless society, it is important that we understand the affirmed biological roles and features of individuals like reproductive function, puberty changes, etc. And rooting for a genderless society might imply more identity crisis if not considered the relevance of equality and equity as the first step in solving gender-related complications. It is quite vague and might seem unachievable, but the initial steps of mitigating gender-related stereotypes must be advocated and fought off well. Genderless society could result in losing certain beautiful aspects of the present societies like relationships and parenthood, questioning its relevance in terms of stability and access.
To sum up, differences among individuals must be respected and the uniqueness in each individual must be acknowledged and the basis of societies must rest upon humanity. More than a genderless society right now, we must drive our efforts towards creating an environment peaceful and warm enough to all kinds of individuals irrespective of the distinctions they possess.
A snippet of information aggregated from the discussion program, Khulla Aakash on “Genderless Society” organized by YALC (Youth Activists Leadership Council) on February 20, 2020. “Khulla Aakash” is a unique informal discussion event wherein the participants share their ideas, experiences, perspectives, doubts, knowledge, and recommendations on the specific subject. It’s a monthly event organized in different social issues prevalent in society. Everyone is given equal space and the opportunity to talk, discuss or express freely.
